In front of nearly the entire K-12 school, the Ariton (Ala.) standout signed a football scholarship with Auburn. The December graduate will enroll at AU for spring semester.

"It's so memorable," Sanders said. "I love it so much. I love Ariton. I had to fight everything I could to not cry up there. It's a great day.

"I just feel so blessed to have all these great people (here). It's an honor."

While Sanders was recruited by schools from across the country for his tremendous football ability, it's his hard work in the classroom and community that was mentioned by many of the VIP's that spoke at his press conference Wednesday including Ariton Principal Ben Baker.